Urban transformation and construction method for creating a public access tropical style swimming lagoon with beaches within vacant or abandoned sites

ABSTRACT

An urban transformation and construction method is disclosed that creates a tropical style swimming lagoon at vacant and/or abandoned sites. The transformation includes demolishing at least part of the vacant or abandoned site, excavating material from within the site; forming a basin for a large water body having a surface area of at least 3,000 m2, and constructing water containment walls on a first section of the basin to form a waterfront perimeter. The shape of the waterfront perimeter is mainly curved, the basin has a maximum width of 300 meters, and the bottom is covered with a non-permeable material. A sloped access area is constructed in a second section of the basin to form a beach. A barrier is constructed to control access into the area including the beach. At least one recreational facility is constructed including restaurants, bars, kiosks, stores, and/or cafes about the waterfront perimeter.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/725,998, filed Dec. 23, 2019, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/538,273, filed Aug. 12, 2019, now U.S.Pat. No. 10,724,260, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Ser. No.62/785,086, filed Dec. 26, 2018 and which applications are incorporatedherein by reference. To the extent appropriate, a claim of priority ismade to each of the above disclosed applications.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an urban transformation andconstruction method for creating a public access tropical-style swimminglagoon with turquoise crystal clear waters within vacant or abandonedsites, for swimming and the practice of water sports, wherein a portionof the vacant site is demolished in order to generate a swimming lagoon.Preferably, there is at least an area of the swimming lagoon wherepublic access is controlled, and a beach area is located within thecontrolled access area.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Around the world, as cities and urban spaces keep growing, a series ofvacant and/or abandoned sites have been left in between all this urbandevelopment, which may be vacant or abandoned due to limited uses.

As a reference, it has been estimated that in the U.S., on average,fifteen percent of a city's land is deemed vacant, including varyingtypes of land, ranging from undisturbed open space to abandoned,contaminated brownfields (Pagano et al, 2000). This is especially truefor cities on the south of the U.S., with more than 19% of its landdeemed vacant, which is mostly due to cities that have experienced highlevels of population and land area growth. While cities expand, thereare a lot of lots and spaces that are left undeveloped, and end upbecoming vacant land. On average in the U.S., cities had 12,367 acres ofusable vacant land, with a median amount of usable vacant land of 4,499acres.

Generally, it has been considered that vacant lots are associated withdepressed real estate value, crime, trash, abandonment, poor landscape,and general economic and/or social failure, where vacant lots tend to beperceived very negatively. Vacant lots can devastate a neighborhood,undermine the neighbors' quality of life, diminish the value of nearbyproperties, and reduce local tax revenue. In this aspect, it has beenstudied that vacant and abandoned properties have increased crime ratesand declining property values, in addition to the fact that theirmaintenance or demolition (for abandoned structures) has a high costthat has to be paid by the cities.

Some vacant land sites are sites that have been projected for theconstruction of public parks, categorized for open space recreation orgreen areas, but have not been developed and result in abandoned anddesert sites. In addition to strictly vacant land, green spaces, such aspublic parks that are underutilized or that are not maintained properlycan also be considered as relatively vacant land as they have the samenegative effects on the community.

It has been studied that the reuse of vacant land and abandonedstructures can represent an opportunity for the economic growth andrecovery of a diverse range of urban areas. This is true for all cities,independently of population and city size.

As used herein, vacant and/or abandoned sites refer to sites and/or lotsthat not only are vacant or have abandoned structures but it alsoincludes parks or sites that have limited uses or sites that haveconstructive limitations. For example, this can represent green areas ofprivate projects with low use and land that does not allow constructinghigh rises or tall buildings, very low usage density lots, or land thatrequires of very long permitting and approval processes to transforminto real estate or commercial projects, among others.

For example, thousands of abandoned and/or vacant sites have beenconverted to community gardens and parks. The relatively trendingphenomenon called “greening” consists of transforming vacant lots intogreen spaces that are environmentally friendly, with final uses ascommunity gardens and tree farms for example. The transformation ofvacant land could provide increased green space for urban gardening andrecreation, as well as other uses for urban relief.

The requirement for these types of green areas has grown over the years,while population in urban locations keeps growing and therefore needs ofopen-air locations that can provide a relaxing setting as well asallowing to perform recreational activities such as running, exercising,among others. In general, these green spaces also have positive effectsover its surroundings, such as for example increasing the value ofsurrounding real estate and the development of new markets (for examplecommercial development nearby parks), as well as improving health ofusers and having environmental benefits, which is the complete oppositeof the negative effects created by vacant or abandoned lots.

Cities that have increased urban development and with high populationconcentration could greatly benefit of the transformation of such vacantor abandoned lots, especially since they have few opportunities for newgreen space development through other means. However, the transformationof vacant or abandoned sites into community spaces has not taken offconsiderably, not taking advantage of these underutilized spaces toimprove urban quality of life and that also have positive environmentaleffects. Many of the transformation alternatives, including gardens andsimilar, have not succeeded considerably, and a large number of vacantand/or abandoned sites still exists around the world.

The stress in large cities and urban lifestyle has a large impact onpeople, who therefore look for different settings and lifestyle torelax. In this same point, it is important to mention that there hasbeen an explosive increase in worldwide tourism over the years that hassubstantially increased its carbon footprint (See FIG. 1 that shows theincrease of tourists over the years). This is mainly because people haveto travel long distances and use their car, or have to fly, or use othertransport means to be able to reach waterfront settings and beach areas,sometimes having to travel hundreds of miles to be a part of a beautifulwaterfront beach setting, in result having a very large carbon footprintdue to all of this movement. This is especially relevant today, wheresociety has become very aware of carbon footprint, where travel is oneof the big contributors of carbon emissions.

With urban locations being very hectic and stressful, the urbanpopulation is having increasing demands for open recreational spaceswhere they can relax, practice sports, and enjoy of beautiful sceneryand spaces. Congregation spaces are scarce, and the old tradition ofcongregating in shopping malls or retail facilities has shifted into asearch for open and natural settings.

Therefore, there are many current vacant and/or abandoned spaces thatare poorly used or have limited uses, that are relatively well connectedurban locations, and that do not have aesthetical features sought out bypeople such as recreational uses and beautiful settings.

SUMMARY

Therefore, according to one embodiment there is provided an urbantransformation construction method for creating a tropical-styleswimming lagoon with a sloped access at vacant and/or abandoned sites,the method comprising: demolishing at least part of the vacant orabandoned site, wherein the demolition process includes excavating atleast a 15 cm to 6 meter layer; excavating material having a volume ofat least 4,000 m3 from an area within the site; forming a basin for alarge water body having a surface area of at least 3,000 m2 and aminimum depth of at least 1.4 meters at its deepest point, whereinearthworks for the basin are created within the surrounding siteperimeter, and wherein the basin includes a basin perimeter and abottom; constructing water containment walls on at least one section ofthe basin perimeter to form a waterfront perimeter, wherein the shape ofthe waterfront perimeter is mainly curved and the basin has a maximumwidth of 300 meters; covering the bottom of the basin with anon-permeable material not including thick concrete like conventionalswimming pools; constructing a sloped access area on at least onesection of the basin perimeter to form a beach access into the largewater body; constructing one or more barriers around the basin perimeterto cordon off an area to establish a controlled access area, wherein thecontrolled access area includes a beach access perimeter, and thebarriers include at least one access point to selectively allow usersinto the controlled access area, whereby the users allowed entry intothe controlled access area are able to use the beach access; andconstructing at least one additional recreational facility comprisingfood and beverage and commercial facilities such as restaurants, bars,kiosks, stores, cafes among others in the vicinity of the waterfrontperimeter.

These and other variations of the invention will become apparent tothose skilled in the art upon a more detailed description of theinvention. The advantages and features which characterize the inventionare pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto andforming a part hereof. For a better understanding of the invention,however, reference should be had to the drawings which form a parthereof and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there isillustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals represent like partsthroughout the several views:

FIG. 1 shows the number of international tourist arrivals given by theWorld Tourism Organization in 2017, referring to the number of inboundjourneys by international tourists to a country outside the destinationthey live in for a duration of less than a year.

FIG. 2 shows an aerial view of an embodiment of the invention afterapplying the method from the present invention that allows to transforman urban location such as a vacant or abandoned site (1) into an urbanbeach where a tropical-style swimming lagoon (2) can be seen, having atleast one beach area (3).

FIGS. 3 and 4 show side views of embodiments of the containment walls 6for the basin of the swimming lagoon 2. First referring to FIG. 2,backfill material 7 is included to provide structural stability to thecontainment wall 6. A non-permeable material 9 contains the water in thelarge water body (e.g., the swimming lagoon 2), and is located on top ofthe bottom soil 8. FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment in which the depthof the lagoon 2 near the wall is relatively shallow. Next FIG. 4 shows aside view of another embodiment of the containment walls 6 for the basinof the swimming lagoon 2, showing backfill material 7 to providestructural stability to the containment wall, and wherein anon-permeable material 9 contains the water within the large water body,and is located on top of the bottom soil 8. FIG. 5 illustrates anembodiment in which the depth of the lagoon 2 near the wall isrelatively deep.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of an embodiment of a sloped access 5 to thebasin of the swimming lagoon 2, wherein a support slab 10 is providedunderneath a portion of the sloped access 5, and the non-permeablematerial 9 for containing the water in the large water body.

FIG. 6 shows a preferred construction method 11 in accordance with theprinciples of the present invention. The first step 11 a is to demolishat least part of the vacant and/or abandoned site. The next step 11 b isto excavate materials having a volume of at least 4,000 m3. Then at step11 c a basin is formed for large water body having a surface area of atleast 3,000 m2, this may include in part earthworks from the excavatedmaterial and/or from additional materials brought to the site. At step11 d, water containment walls are constructed on at least one section ofthe basin. At step 11 e, a sloped access area in at least one section ofthe basin is optionally created in the event a swimming area isincluded. At 11 f, barriers are constructed around the basin perimeterto establish a controlled access area for a beach or other area in whichuser controlled access is desired. At step 11 g, at least one additionalrecreational facility is constructed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The method from the present invention, as seen in FIG. 2, allows to, inan innovative way, transform vacant or abandoned sites that are locatedin urban areas and generally have good connectivity, in order to providebeautiful beach-like settings that can help solving the need for morerecreational urban open air spaces and tourism needs with a lower carbonfootprint and therefore become a completely new and radical trend thatcan change the lifestyle of people around the world. The presentinvention helps solving the need for providing recreational settingswith activities that can change the lifestyle of urban population aroundthe world while at the same time helps solving the problem associatedwith vacant or abandoned lots and its negative effects over thecommunity.

The present invention relates generally to an urban transformation andconstruction method for creating a controlled access tropical-styleswimming lagoon with crystal clear turquoise waters and with beaches atvacant or abandoned sites, for swimming and the practice of watersports, wherein a portion of the vacant or abandoned site is demolishedin order to generate a swimming lagoon according to designs,construction parameters and configurations. Preferably, there is atleast an area of the swimming lagoon where public access is controlled,and a beach area is located within the controlled access area.

The present invention discloses a construction method for creating atropical style swimming lagoon in vacant or abandoned sites to repurposesuch spaces by creating a recreational venue with at least onetropical-style swimming lagoon and additional amenities.

The construction method from the present invention is low cost comparedto the construction of other facilities in the same spaces such asshopping malls, amusement parks, water parks, or similar installations.

As used herein, tropical-style refers to clear water lagoons with roundshapes, that are suitable for direct contact recreational purposes, andthat usually have turquoise colored crystal clear waters and that do nothave visible macro algae presence or a green water tonality likeartificial lagoons and lakes located in parks and golf courses, amongothers.

In more detail, the process comprises excavating at least a portion ofthe vacant or abandoned site to excavate a layer of between 15 cm to 6meters in order to provide the necessary excavated volume for theswimming lagoon construction.

Optionally, if there are permanent or rigid structures within the site,especially in the case of abandoned lots, demolition can be performed ofsuch structures to allow excavation necessary to build the swimminglagoon. To provide clarity, for the purposes of this application theterm demolishing encompasses not only knocking down or tearing downcurrent structures or installations, but also removing debris ornon-fixed materials from such zone and digging or excavating a portionof the land as part of the construction method.

The demolition process comprises excavation with machinery up to a depthof 20 centimeters over the final excavation level, where the final 20 cmmay be excavated manually.

Once the design excavation level is achieved, the bottom soil must becompacted to achieve a 95% Modified Proctor Density. A 95% ModifiedProctor Density means that the soil at the bottom is compacted to 95% ofits maximum dry density. This aims to reduce post-constructionsettlements rates of such soil. As a reference, the Modified Proctortest uses a 4-inch-diameter mold which holds 1/30 cubic feet of soil,and uses a 10 lb. hammer falling through 18 inches, with 25 blows oneach of five lifts, for a compaction effort of about 56,250 ft-lb/ft3.This can also be explained such that the bottom of the excavations areto be compacted to a 95% of the Maximum Dry Compacted Density, based onthe Modified Proctor test (ASTM D1557-02) when the soil type has morethan a 12% material passing under a N^(o) 200 mesh (opening of 0.075mm). When the soil type has less than a 12% material passing under aN^(o) 200 mesh (opening of 0.075 mm), the soil must be compacted toachieve no less than 80% of its Relative Density.

The process also includes excavating a volume of at least 4,000 m3,preferably at least 7,000 m3 from an area within the vacant or abandonedsite. This excavation material preferably will serve as the earthworksnecessary to provide the basin of the swimming lagoon, wherein suchearthworks are created within the property perimeter, and wherein thebasin includes a basin perimeter and a bottom. It will be appreciated bythose of skill in the art that the excavated material may prove to beunsuitable for the earthworks. For example, the material may include amixture of rocks, cement, tar or other detritus. In such an event,suitable fill and other materials may be brought to the site for theearthworks.

The basin for the lagoon is preferably designed and constructed so thatits surface area is at least 3,000 m2, preferably at least 5,000 m2, andmore preferably over 10,000 m2 and its deepest point has a minimum depthof 1.4 meters.

It's important to highlight that for the tropical-style swimming lagoonof the present invention, since it has a surface larger than 3,000 m2,conventional swimming pool construction technologies are seldomeconomically and technically feasible, as for example swimming poolconstruction requires to have a large and thick concrete structure thatcomprises a series of inlets and outlets within the walls and bottom ofthe structure in order to be able to create water movement andcirculation that allows to filter the complete water volume at leastonce per day. This is mainly to have a homogeneous water body so thatwhen withdrawing and filtering the water flow means that the whole watervolume is being filtered and there are no dead areas that have no watercirculation and would therefore not be filtered efficiently.

For example, regulations for swimming pools around the world require theuse of bottom and/or wall nozzles, wherein regulations preferablyrequire the use of bottom inlets to be able to generate proper mixingand circulation of water before it is withdrawn from the pool to send tothe filtration system. For example, Florida's swimming pool constructionregulations require that inlets be installed so that spacing betweenfloor inlets does not exceed 20 ft. (6 m) and the distance between abottom inlet and a wall does not exceed 10 ft. (3 m). This means that a25 m×50 m Olympic pool for example would require more than 35 bottominlets, and a 3,000 m2 (60 m×60 m) swimming pool would require more than70 bottom inlets, in addition to wall inlets that would further allowmixing the water volume so that when withdrawing water from the maindrains, skimmers, or other withdrawal points and sending such water tothe filtration system, it effectively allows to filter the completewater volume of the pool from 1 to 6 times per day (generally 4 timesper day based on regulations). The present invention preferably requiresthat the swimming lagoon has at least 50% less inlets than thoserequired for the filtration system of a conventional swimming poolaccording to swimming pool standards.

Containment walls are preferably constructed on at least one section ofthe basin perimeter, as to form a waterfront perimeter that is arrangedand configured to contain the water within the basin. Such containmentwalls require a backfill material in order to provide structuralintegrity to such walls.

In addition, a sloped area is preferably constructed in at least onesection of the basin perimeter in order to create a beach accessperimeter. The sloped area is constructed such that the slope of thebeach access perimeter is between 5% and 30%. The sloped area mayrequire construction or placement of a support slab in order to providestructural stability on such location. As an example, a support slab canbe built out of reinforced concrete, shotcrete, plastics, or othersupport materials. For example, the sloped area may have high foottraffic of users accessing the swimming lagoon.

The shape of the waterfront perimeter is preferably curved to create amore natural aspect of the swimming lagoon. Additionally, the basin hasa maximum width of 300 meters at its widest point. The width of thelagoon is defined as the measurement or extent of the lagoon from sideto side; the lesser of the two dimensions of the lagoon measurements.The length of the lagoon is defined as the largest dimensionalmeasurement of the lagoon.

The maximum width of the lagoon is limited in up to 300 meters, as thereis little visual impact of the whole lagoon to be gained at eye levelwith larger distances.

The bottom of the basin is covered with a non-permeable material, inorder to act as a water containment structure. The non-permeable bottommaterial that covers the bottom of the basin comprises plastic liners,shotcrete, or flexible materials that do not require the use of a thickconcrete layer like conventional swimming pools. The use of largesurfaces of thick concrete is problematic, as in addition of having highcosts, it can generate structural tensions that cause fractures, cracks,settlements in the concrete and may impact the structural properties ofthe basin.

In a preferred embodiment, the non-permeable material comprises aplastic liner of at least 1 mm of thickness, among other solutions. Theplastic liner can have different colors and tonalities, but preferablyit has a white, blue or light color which provides an intense turquoisetonality of the water body.

Therefore, the basin, along with its containment walls and/or slopedareas creates a swimming lagoon in the previously excavated volume thatforms the basin.

Embodiments herein are directed to a swimming lagoon that is arrangedand configured to optimize visitor experience. Specifically, the lagoonis arranged and configured in a way such that the relationship betweenall elements and purposes of the different areas of the lagoon enableguests and visitors to enjoy the experience as well as interact with thedifferent areas that may be designated for different purposes. A beacharea included in the swimming lagoon is preferred. However, there may beinstances when a sloped beach access with a swimming area is impracticalor is otherwise not desired for the specific site.

Further, the swimming lagoon is also preferably constructed in a mannerso that it can be used not only for swimming purposes, but also for thepractice of several water sports, such as kayaking, stand-up-paddling,boating, water skiing, among others.

Although the swimming lagoon is man-made, it preferably includes shapesthat tend to imitate natural geometries, and comprises a slightlyelongated shape to provide visitors with at least one vantage point toexperience dramatic views of the lagoon and its surroundings.Preferably, the swimming lagoon is surrounded by vegetation such asplants and trees.

Additionally, the swimming lagoon comprises different elements and areasfor providing an optimized visitor experience, preferably including atleast one controlled access area. This is achieved by constructing oneor more barriers around the basin perimeter of the swimming lagoon, inorder to cordon off an area of the swimming lagoon to establish acontrolled access area with a restricted access swimming lagoon locatedwithin. In that case, the controlled access area includes at least onebeach access perimeter within the basin perimeter, thereby providing anew recreational amenity and venue for visitors. The barriers compriseat least one access point to selectively allow users into the controlledaccess area. The remaining area about the basin perimeter can optionallybe an open access area, meaning that is a non-ticketed area, that isfreely accessed by users. However, the controlled access area preferablyrequires a ticket, voucher or other payment of an entry fee foraccessing such area which can be included within other fees or paymentsfor example access can be included in seasonal tickets, or by beingmember of an association or group, being included as part of lodgingfacilities, among others.

Controlled access areas may be created about the swimming lagoon forother purposes as well. However, in the case there are non-ticketedareas, it is important to include separate access points for bothcontrolled access areas and non-ticketed access areas of the lagoon.This enables visitors to clearly participate in either one or both areasdepending on their purpose for visiting the site and lagoon, includingnatural articulations and man-made focal points along the edge toencourage walkability and foster visitors with a sense of discovery. Theswimming lagoon can be illuminated through a lighting system, in orderto allow nighttime uses. The lighting system comprises exterior lightingsystems and/or underwater systems.

As previously mentioned, it is preferred that the lagoon include atleast one controlled access area for visitors for at least one beacharea, wherein the beach area comprises a sandy beach and slopedtransition into the swimming lagoon. The controlled access area may bedesigned such that the total beach area to lagoon area ratio is at least1:2. Further, the beach area is preferably placed and designedconsidering general summer sun orientation, optimizing visitorexperience In another embodiment of the invention, the controlled accessarea surrounds the entire lagoon surface, and may include additionalamenities within the controlled access area, such as recreationalfacilities including cafes, bars, restaurants, and others.

In an embodiment of the invention, the installations surrounding thetropical-style lagoon is artificially set with a beach theme, includingthe use of blue and white colors with the inspiration of the beach andbeach kiosks and lighthouses.

The swimming lagoon can also be surrounded by vegetation such as plantsand trees.

The present invention also includes constructing at least one additionalrecreational facility comprising food and beverage and commercialfacilities that can provide a recreational setting surrounding thetropical-style lagoon. Recreational facilities examples compriserestaurants, bars, kiosks, stores, cafes, restaurants, beach centers,promenades, hotels, entertainment facilities, virtual and immersiveexperiences, and similar facilities and amenities.

The construction of an amphitheater in the surroundings of the lagoonand nearby the beach area(s) is also preferred. This creates anopportunity to hold events such as concerts and festivals, among others.Other activities include music on the beach, dining on the beach, andother events on the beach such as weddings and sports events, among manyothers. The surroundings of the beach may include cafes, bars,restaurants, beach centers, and similar facilities and amenities.

In the case of having a non-ticketed area within the venue, the at leastone non-ticketed access area comprises optimized waterfront perimetersurrounding the swimming lagoon that has an unobstructed view of thelagoon and is not directly in front of any beach areas or esplanadesthat could affect the aesthetics of the landscape. The non-ticketedaccess area comprises cafes, bars, restaurants, beach centers,promenades, hotels, entertainment facilities, virtual and immersiveexperiences, and similar facilities and amenities.

A screen may also be provided in the vicinity of the swimming lagoon tobroadcast content and house events and shows, and can be located in thesame sector as the amphitheaters, to create a new event venue having theswimming lagoon as its backdrop. The screen may also be used forstreaming live or recorded events or general media, and the stage zonecan be used to broadcast or hold e-sport competitions, concerts, plays,shows, performances, among others.

Other components and methods that embody the principles of thisinvention can be configured within the spirit and intent of thisinvention. The arrangement described herein is provided as only oneexample of an embodiment that incorporates and practices the principlesof this invention. Other modifications and alterations are well withinthe knowledge of those skilled in the art and are to be included withinthe broad scope of the appended claims.

1 Vacant or Abandoned Site 2 Tropical Style Swimming Lagoon 3 Beach Area4 Method from the present invention 5 Sloped Access 6 Containment Wall 7Backfill 8 Bottom Soil 9 Non permeable material 10 Support slab 11Method

What is claimed is:
 1. An urban transformation construction method forcreating a tropical-style swimming lagoon with a sloped access at vacantor abandoned sites, the sites having an area and a perimeter, the methodcomprising: a) demolishing at least part of the site area, wherein thedemolition process includes excavating a layer of at least 15 cm and upto six meters; b) excavating material having a volume of at least 4,000m3 from the site area; c) forming a basin for a large water body havinga surface area of at least 3,000 m² and a minimum depth of at least 1.4meters at its deepest point, wherein earthworks for the basin arecreated within the site perimeter, and wherein the basin includes abasin perimeter and a bottom; d) constructing water containment walls onat least one section of the basin perimeter to form a waterfrontperimeter, wherein the shape of the waterfront perimeter includes one ormore curves and wherein the basin has a maximum width of 300 meters; e)covering at least part of the bottom of the basin with a non-permeablematerial including a plastic liner, shotcrete, or flexible materials; f)constructing a sloped access area on at least one section of the basinperimeter to form a beach access into the basin; g) constructing one ormore barriers around at least a portion of the basin perimeter to cordonoff an area to establish a controlled access area, wherein thecontrolled access area includes the beach access, and the one or morebarriers include at least one access point to selectively allow usersinto the controlled access area, whereby the beach access is accessibleto the users allowed entry into the controlled access area; and h)Constructing at least one additional recreational facility comprisingfood and beverage and commercial facilities selected from the groupcomprising restaurants, bars, kiosks, stores, and cafes, wherein the atleast one additional recreational facility is located in the vicinity ofthe waterfront perimeter, thereby transforming the vacant or abandonedsites by constructing the tropical-style swimming lagoon with a slopedaccess and at least one additional recreational facility, and whereinthe sites are selected from the group comprising green areas of projectswith low use, land that does not permit construction of high rises ortall buildings, low usage density lots, and land that requires very longreal estate and commercial project permitting and approval processes. 2.The construction method of claim 1, wherein the area around the basinperimeter not located within the controlled access area forms anon-ticketed access area which may be freely accessed by users.
 3. Theconstruction method of claim 1, wherein the demolishing step comprisesexcavation with machinery up to a depth of 20 centimeters over a designexcavation level and the final 20 cm are excavated manually.
 4. Theconstruction method of claim 1, wherein step b) comprises excavatingmaterial having a volume of at least 7,000 m³.
 5. The constructionmethod of claim 1, wherein step c) comprises forming a basin for a largewater body having a surface area of at least 5,000 m².
 6. Theconstruction method of claim 1, wherein when the soil type has more thana 12% material passing under a N^(o) 200 mesh (opening of 0.075 mm),compacting the bottom soil to achieve a 95% Modified Proctor Density,also referred to as the Maximum Dry Compacted Density; and when the soiltype has less than a 12% material passing under a N^(o) 200 mesh(opening of 0.075 mm), compacting the soil to achieve no less than 80%of its Relative Density.
 7. The construction method of claim 1, furthercomprising placing sand in a portion of the controlled access area andadjacent to the beach access, whereby a sandy beach area is created andwherein the slope of the beach access continues into the basin forming asloped transition area.
 8. The construction method of claim 7, whereinthe sloped transition area into the basin forms an angle of between 5%and 30% with the surface of water in the basin.
 9. The constructionmethod of claim 1, wherein the basin is used for swimming and watersports, and the site is used for holding shows and events.
 10. Theconstruction method of claim 8, wherein the sloped access area isconstructed with a support slab to provide structural stability.
 11. Theconstruction method of claim 1, wherein the non-permeable material thatcovers at least a part of the bottom of the basin is a plastic linerhaving at least 1 mm of thickness.
 12. The construction method of claim11, wherein the plastic liner has a white, blue or light color.
 13. Theconstruction method of claim 1, wherein the basin perimeter of theswimming lagoon includes shapes that imitate natural geometries.
 14. Theconstruction method of claim 1, wherein separate access points areincluded for both the controlled access area and for the site, so thatusers have access to both areas.
 15. The construction method of claim 1,wherein the controlled access area is constructed to have an arearelative to the area of the basin in a ratio of at least 1:2.
 16. Theconstruction method of claim 1, further comprising constructing anamphitheater within the site, wherein the amphitheater is configured tohold events selected from the group comprising concerts and festivals.17. The construction method of claim 1, further comprising constructingadditional buildings and kiosks arranged about the basin perimeter, theadditional buildings and kiosks selected from the group comprisingcafes, bars, restaurants, beach centers, promenades, hotels,entertainment facilities and, virtual and immersive user experiences.18. The construction method of claim 1, wherein a non-fixed screen isprovided in the vicinity of the swimming lagoon to broadcast content andhouse events and shows.
 19. The construction method of claim 1, furthercomprising illuminating at least part of the basin of the swimminglagoon with a lighting system.
 20. The construction method of claim 1,further comprising locating vegetation comprising plants and treeswithin the site and around the basin perimeter.
 21. The constructionmethod of claim 1, wherein the at least one additional recreationalfacility is constructed with a beach theme, including the use of blueand white colors.
 22. The construction method of claim 1, furthercomprising constructing the basin of the swimming lagoon with at least50% less inlets than those required for the filtration system of aconventional swimming pool according to swimming pool standards.
 23. Theconstruction method of claim 1, wherein tropical-style swimming lagoonis defined as a clear body of water with curved shapes and that issuitable for direct contact recreational purposes.
 24. The constructionmethod of claim 1, wherein the controlled access area preferablyrequires a ticket, voucher or other payment of an entry fee for ingressinto the controlled access area.